Germany

With nine EuroVelo routes, Germany is THE country for cycling tours in Europe. Around 230 bicycle routes lead cyclists through the country's varied landscapes. Whether you cycle along the coast or one of the numerous rivers, through impressive mountainous landscapes or historical and modern cities, you will certainly find a ride that suits your tastes. Culinary enjoyments, cultural monuments and sights of untouched nature along the routes complete the bicycle travel experience in Germany.

Select route

National Information

ADFC: Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad-Club e.V. (NECC)

The ADFC is a nationwide, Non-Profit-Organisation with more than 175.000 members whose shared aim is to make the roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians. Besides encouraging environmentally-friendly and therefore sustainable forms of transport, the ADFC provides advice on all aspects of cycling. This includes advice on buying a bike, technology and cycling accessories, tourism-related and political issues.

ADFC's brochure "Deutschland per Rad entdecken"

Bett+Bike - Bicycle Friendly Accommodation

Around 5,500 hotels, guesthouses, youth hostels, nature houses and camping sites are tailored to the needs of cyclists. Guest companies meeting ADFC quality criteria are marked with a sign at the entrance.

[EV10] Information on the Baltic Sea Cycling Path

This tour shows Mecklenburg-Vorpommern at its best. Through splendid seaside resorts and proud Hanseatic towns, over three islands and a peninsula you go on the Baltic Sea Coast Cycle Route. For the most part, the route runs with a direct view of the coast. Only a few shorter sections lead to the idyllic inland. The website allows you to download GPS tracks!

[EV10] Regional website of the Tourism Board of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

The part of the Baltic Sea Cycle Route which leads through Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is a beautiful trail in Northern Germany, which winds through idyllic scenery, Hanseatic towns, three islands and classic villages.

[EV10] Schleswig-Holstein

The Baltic Sea Cycle Route begins in the north at Teichweg border crossing in Flensburg and leads through Glücksburg, Eckernförde and Hohwacht, around the sunny island of Fehmarn as far as Lübeck-Travemünde. The route ends in the Hanseatic city of Lübeck whose medieval centre was the first complete old town in northern Europe to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO back in 1987.

[EV12] Lower Saxony

The Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park lies just off the coast and forms part of the Wadden Sea that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2009. This intertidal zone extends along the Dutch and German North Sea coastlines all the way to Denmark, and provides a unique habitat for countless species of flora and fauna. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Warehouse District and Kontorhaus District with the Chilehaus office building await cyclists in the Hanseatic city of Hamburg.

[EV12] Schleswig-Holstein

From the Hanseatic city of Hamburg, the route runs beside the River Elbe through Wedel, Uetersen and Glückstadt, then on to Brunsbüttel. After crossing Kiel Canal, the route continues along the North Sea Cycle Route via Dithmarschen as far as Husum. It then passes around the edge of Nordstrand peninsula, through Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, and ends in Klanxbüll on the Danish border.

[EV13] Greenbelt Germany

From the Barents to the Black Sea, there ran a barrier which displayed its inhumane side most strongly in Germany. It cut up a country into East and West, separated families and friends for decades. And yet nature conquered the frontier strip. The "Green Belt" was created, with valuable habitats full of rare animals and plants. Since 1989, the BUND has been active in preserving the Green Belt, along with other organisations and government departments.

[EV13] Part 1 - North Sea Cycle Route - Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

The route starts to the west of Swinemünde, in Usedom Island Nature Park. From here, it runs close to the water along slightly hilly sections via the Hanseatic towns of Greifswald, Stralsund, Rostock and Wismar to the mouth of the River Trave on Privall peninsula before ending in the coastal town of Travemünde. UNESCO has added the old towns of Stralsund and Wismar to its list of World Heritage Sites as representative examples of the Hanseatic cultural heritage.

[EV13] Part 2 - Elbe Cycle Route North

This section of the EuroVelo 13 leads along the Elbe Cycle Route. It begins in Boizenburg beside the River Elbe, which is Germany’s second longest river, and continues south-east through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Elbe River Landscape via the towns of Hitzacker and Dömitz to Schnackenburg.

[EV13] Part 3 - Iron Curtain Trail - Bavaria

The EuroVelo 13 signposted in the Upper Palatine Forest mostly remains on the German side of the border, crossing over near Rozvadov at the monument to opening of the Iron Curtain and the border museum. The route then crosses back over at Waidhaus and leads along the Bockl Cycle Route to Eslarn. From Friedrichshäng, the route once again crosses back onto the Czech side.

[EV15] HA Hessen Agentur GmbH - Tourismus- und Kongressmarketing

The tourism- and congress marketing department of the HA Hessen Agentur GmbH is responsible for the promotion of the long-distance cycle routes within the federal state of Hesse. The Rhine Cycle Route is one of the routes. Detailed information about the Rhine Cycle Route - including an online -route -planner - can be found on the website of "Radroutenplaner Hessen" in several languages.

[EV15] Romantischer Rhein Tourismus GmbH

Romantic Rhine Tourism is the authority responsible for the promotion and development of the Rhine Cycle Route (RCR) in Rhineland-Palatinate. The RCR passes through the three touristic destinations of the Palatinate, Rhine Hesse and the romantic Rhine valley.

[EV15] Tourismus Marketing GmbH Baden-Württemberg

South-west Germany is cycling country. With its extensive network of quiet back roads through the hills of the Swabian Alb and the Black Forest, you can pedal alone, with friends or family, taking it easy or riding hard. On TMBW's website you can find all the important information about the Rhine Cycle Route in Baden-Württemberg, like maps, cyclist friendly accommodation or information about tourist sights.

[EV15] Tourismus North Rhine-Westphalia e.V.

Tourismus NRW e.V. is the authority responsible for the coordination, communication and promotion of the Rhine Cycle Route's North Rhine-Westphalian section. The routes in the federal state follow the river on both of its banks providing scenic views of the river every now and then. The route is largely flat with an excellent infrastructure.

[EV2, EV12] Tourism Marketing Niedersachsen

On this route you can expect gentle hills that offer one magnificent view after another out over meadows and forests. Colourful half-timbered towns and imposing palaces and castles with intriguing and impressive historical backgrounds take cyclists on a journey into bygone days. It makes for truly great cycling tourism.

[EV2, EV7] D-Route 3

This website contains information on the German D-Route 3, with a description of the route, an electronic map, as well as services along the route like accommodation, bookable offers and points of interest.

[EV2] R1 Euroroute

[EV3] Part 1 - Ox Road

In the 19th century, the Ox Road was the main overland route between Denmark and North Germany. It served as a cattle track for farmers, but was also used by soldiers, tradesmen and pilgrims as a direct route southwards. Today, cyclists can experience the nature and cultural history of North Germany. Away from busy roads, the route passes through moors and marshland, forests and meadows typical of North Germany, past lakes and along rivers.
Gebietsgemeinschaft Grünes Binnenland Tourismus e.V.

[EV3] Part 2 - North Sea Cycle Route

The section along the North Sea Cycle Route not only offers cyclists the opportunity to experience nature, but also to visit a variety of larger and smaller harbour towns. From Elmshorn, the route passes through the Elbvorland floodplains and on to Hamburg – the “Gateway to the World”, as the harbour city on the Elbe is commonly known – where the city’s maritime UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be explored.
Nordsee-Tourismus-Service GmbH

[EV3] Part 3 - Long-distance cycling track Hamburg-Bremen

From the UNESCO World Heritage city and harbour metropolis of Hamburg featuring attractions such as the Alster, Landungsbrücken landing stages and Warehouse District, the route continues over the historic Elbe bridge in Harburg, past Schwarze Berge wildlife park and through the Harburg Hills to Bremen, which is also a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage city.
Touristikverband Landkreis Rotenburg (Wümme) e.V.

[EV3] Part 4 - Brückenradweg

The Brückenradweg links Bremen and Osnabrück on two parallel routes. Trade has flourished between the two Hanseatic towns for time immemorial. The well-developed route passes through 3 nature parks featuring unspoilt moors and forests, historical sites with a fascinating past, and over countless bridges. Some of these bridges are of historical interest; others are architecturally appealing. And all are a key feature of the beautiful riverscape.
Tourismusverband Osnabrücker Land e.V. (TOL)

[EV3] Part 5 - Friedensroute

EuroVelo 3 continues along the Friedensroute linking the cities of Osnabrück and Münster. This modern cycle route traces the course of a historical riding trail through the Tecklenburger Land region. The city of Münster stands for the past and the future, a cultural stronghold and a cycling paradise, a diocesan city and a student city. The 1200-year-old metropolis shows how the old can also be young – with vibrant city flair, a compelling cultural programme and versatile leisure options.
Münsterland e.V.

[EV3] Part 6 - 100 Castles Routes

The Pilgrims Route follows the 100 Castles Route for a total of 75 kilometres. Castles, palaces and manor houses are the treasures of the Münsterland region. They are testimonies to outstanding architecture. Past eras come to life again here. It is possible to experience these by bike along the 100 Castles Route. The wonderful parks are perfect for stopping off.
Münsterland e.V.

[EV3] Part 7 - Römer-Lippe-Route

The next section of the Pilgrims Route follows the Römer-Lippe-Route. Where history was once written on the roads built by the Romans, the natural border today runs between the Münsterland’s parklands and the industrial culture of the Ruhr metropolitan region on the stretch between Hamm and Haltern. Initially densely forested, the Römer-Lippe-Route passes through varied scenery on the way from Haltern am See to Wesel.
Ruhr Tourismus GmbH

[EV3] Part 8 - Rhine Cycle Route

The Pilgrims Route reaches the Rhine Cycle Route where varied art and culture can be experienced. Vibrant towns await exploration along this section, from which unobstructed views can be enjoyed over the water time and time again. The route leads from the Siebengebirge upland range, past the metropolises of Cologne and Düsseldorf to the Lower Rhine in Bonn, one of the oldest cities in Germany. The former German capital looks back on a history spanning more than 2,000 years.
RadRegionRheinland

[EV3] Part 9 - Water Castles Route

The final section of the Pilgrims Route follows the Water Castles Route. Countless moated castles and other historical and cultural highlights along the route remind of the times of lords and knights. The route leads from Bonn along streams and rivers and through fertile lowlands to Aachen. Aachen Cathedral, the city’s landmark, along with the cathedral treasury were the first two German cultural monuments to be added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites back in 1978.
Nordeifel Tourismus GmbH

[EV4, EV7] Elbe Cycle Route South

While the Elbe is only the second longest river in Germany, it is definitely the number one river among cycle tourists. Immediately beyond the German-Czech border, the river is greeted by the sandstone cliffs of Saxon Switzerland National Park. The route passes through the Elbe valley, amidst romantic, rugged scenery. The world-famous Semperoper opera house and reconstructed Frauenkirche church can be visited in Dresden.

[EV4] Part 1 - Rhine Cycle Route

Vibrant towns along the way invite cyclists to explore a diverse array of art and cultural offerings. Unobstructed views can be enjoyed over the water time and time again along what is undoubtedly the most interesting section of the Rhine Cycle Route. From the Siebengebirge upland range, the route passes through the metropolises of Cologne and Düsseldorf as far as Mainz at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers.

[EV4] Part 2 - Main Cycle Route

The second section of this route passes along the Main Cycle Route. Wonderfully relaxed tours can be enjoyed from Mainz at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers all the way to the source of the White Main in Bischofsgrün. The varied scenery, diverse art and cultural offerings along the way and charming routing make this section covering over 500 kilometres from east to west through Franconian beer country to Franconian wine country a cycle route for gourmets.

[EV5] Grenzland-Runde

The Tourism Organization Saarschleifenland Tourismus provides information on the "Grenzland-Runde" (Border Area Circuit), a tour of 35 km. The website offers details on the elevation gain and similar characteristics, a GPS track, maps etc.

[EV5] Saarland-Radweg

The "Saarland-Radweg" (Saarland cycle path) leads you partly on old towpaths around the beautiful Saarland. In addition to historic towns such as Saarbrücken and Sankt Wendel, you will also see impressive landscapes in the Black Forest and Saargau. Sights such as the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site Völklinger Hütte are spread along the way and invite you to discover them.

[EV5] Saar-Radweg

The family-friendly, completely flat route leads along the banks of the Saar from Sarreguemines in France to Konz, where Saar and Mosel meet. Particularly worth seeing are Saarbrücken with its baroque buildings, the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site Völklinger Hütte, the fortified city of Saarlouis, the city of Merzig with its Wolfspark, the Saar loop, the lifestyle provider Villeroy & Boch and the picturesque city of Saarburg.

[EV6] Part 1 - Rhine Valley Cycle Route

The varied tour through the Rhine Valley passes through countless vineyards and mostly directs cyclists along routes away from busy roads. The motto of this cycle route is “Enjoy nature”. The flora and fauna of the Kaiserstuhl hills along with the countless vineyards will allow cyclists to forget their everyday stresses. The Rhine Valley Cycle Route follows the course of the Rhine, passing along the borders with Liechtenstein and Austria before arriving at Lake Constance.

[EV6] Part 2 - Hohenzollern Cycle Route

From the Danube to Lake Constance. Tuttlingen’s local mountain, the Witthoh, is the only hill on this section of the route. The route is then almost entirely downhill, whereby the considerably milder climate that prevails around Lake Constance can be felt the further one travels. The tour then continues along the Stockacher Aach tributary of the Rhine to Ludwigshafen beside Lake Constance where the Hohenzollern Cycle Route ends.

[EV6] Part 3 - Danube Cycle Route

From Tuttlingen, the Danube Cycle Route continues on to Ulm where the tallest church spire in the world (forming part of Ulm’s minster) can be visited. Countless historical monuments lie along the route that then passes through Ingolstadt, Regensburg and Passau before arriving at the border with Austria. In 2006, UNESCO added the Regensburg ensemble of the old town with the Stadtamhof district to its list of World Heritage Sites.

[EV7] Berlin-Copenhagen

From Berlin, the route continues northwards into the sprawling Brandenburg scenery, along the River Havel. On the way to the Baltic coast, the route crosses through the Mecklenburg lake district with Lake Müritz and its over one hundred other lakes and rivers. Countless towns well worth a visit lie along the route to the Hanseatic city of Rostock, where it is possible to take the ferry across to Gedser in Denmark.
Tourismusverband Ruppiner Seenland e.V.;
Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Vorpommern e.V.

German Tourism Center e.V., DZT

The DZT has promoted Germany abroad on behalf of the federal government for more than 60 years. It advertises the touristic diversity of Germany throughout the world. It therefore advertises for one of the biggest and most popular brands - the travel country Germany. A selection of attractive long distance cycle routes can be found on www.germany.travel with route descriptions and references of Bed+Bike establishments.